far more consistent to acknowledge themselves to be separatists, or even to become Presbyterians, since their principle of acting for themselves, without regard to a Bishop, is Presbyterian rather than Episcopal.
It should be mentioned, that the introduction of English Clergymen into Scotland, to act independently of the Scottish Bishops, arose from a state of things, which does not now exist. There were necessarily some English Episcopalians in that country: some also who held official posts: and they thought, that they could not safely or consistently attend the ministrations of the Nonjuring Clergy. To meet their case, certain Clergymen were sent from England. But as the cause no longer exists for such an irregularity, the practice ought to cease. Such Clergymen in Scotland, as refuse to submit to the Bishops, are in reality the same as the Preachers among the Independents in England, some of whom adopt the English Liturgy.
The reader will perceive, that a great many events are crowded together in this chapter. It could not be otherwise, as a sketch of the Scottish Church was necessary to complete my plan; and a larger space could not be devoted to the subject. I hope, however, that the sketch, brief as it is, will be found to embrace all the particulars connected with the Scottish Episcopalians as Nonjurors: and I trust, that the perusal of it may not be without instruction. Unless
Church of England, as the plea for their non-union with the Church of Scotland, not only, so far as they are concerned, annihilates Ecclesiastical government, but directly militates at the same time against the essence of Ecclesiastical unity." A Layman's account of his Faith and Practice, as a member of the Episcopal Church in Scotland, published with the approbation of the Bishops of that Church. 12mo. Edinburgh, p. 177.
